Pretoria, South Africa – 16 February 2026 – Three suspects charged in connection with the murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they abandoned their bail application and elected to remain in custody.

Satlat was fatally attacked after responding to a ride request in Pretoria West on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. His hijacked vehicle and his body were later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville. The killing, captured on camera and widely circulated on social media, triggered widespread national outrage.

The accused — Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi and McClaren Mushwana — face charges of premeditated murder and aggravated robbery. The case has been postponed to 23 February 2026 to allow for further police investigations.

Outside the courtroom, e-hailing drivers and supporters staged a picket, calling on government to strengthen safety measures for drivers operating on digital platforms. Protesters repeatedly chanted “Justice for Isaac” as proceedings commenced.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that investigations remain ongoing and that authorities are still searching for a fourth suspect.

“The police have arrested two more suspects after an e-hailing driver was allegedly killed on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. The two male suspects, aged 30 and 26, will join the third suspect, aged 25, who was arrested on Friday, 13 February 2026,” Masondo said.

“All suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 February 2026, facing charges that include car hijacking and murder.”

Satlat had borrowed the vehicle he was driving in an effort to earn additional income. At the time of his death, he was completing an automotive mechanical engineering internship in Centurion and was due to finish in early March. He would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on 12 March.

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.